Decoding Independence (Monte Llana Series #1)

14

"Are you freaking asking me to marry you?!"

I had to lower my voice for some reasons. Humalakhak lang si Clive nang makita ang reaksyon ko. Is he seriously asking me to marry him? In this crucial time? He didn't even graduate yet! Junior standing pa lang rin ako. How are we going to sustain ourselves? He's not thinking!

"Why are you laughing?" I am already pissed with Clive dahil kanina pa siya tumatawa habang inuubos ang mushroom soup niya.

"We're not getting married, Tin," he just continued laughing. "Not yet."

I rolled my eyes on him while he continued eating his food. I don't get him! Gustong-gusto niya talagang iniinis ako. Palibhasa, he knows I'm pikon and getting into my nerves is like a daily achievement for him. Inaaraw-araw niya na ang pang-aasar sa akin.

I'm already in my bed, katatapos ko lang mag-book ng flight to Siquijor. I nearly forgot about it, buti na lang tumawag si Mom to remind. Next week na ang simula ng term break kaya minsanan na lang talaga kami magkita ni Clive. I'm busy finalizing my portfolio and Clive is also busy with his practicals. Bukas na ang simula ng finals week so the workload kind of lessened a bit.

alexandrei sent you a message

I was on my study break at tumigil ang pag-scroll ko sa IG nang maka-receive ng notification. I hurriedly clicked it to read Clive's message.

alexandrei: SB?

I smiled while typing my reply.

oceanaclementine: YEEEEES

alexandrei: I'm at the parking

Hinawi ko agad ang curtain sa likod ng couch to look at him. My unit is at the 12th floor and it faces the parking lot in front of the building kaya kitang-kita ang mga nakahilerang kotse roon. Clive waved at me when he saw me from above. I gestured him to wait and I hurriedly went down to give him a hug.

"I missed you!" Niyakap ko siya agad nang marating ko ang parking. He chuckled at napaatras rin nang bahagya sa higpit ng pagkakayakap ko sa kanya. Ang bango niya! I missed his scent.

"I missed you too," he said before giving me a kiss on my forehead. He was wearing a white sweater and black sweat shorts. "Your hair got kinda messy, babe."

Inayos niya ang buhok ko bago buksan ang pinto ng driver seat. Clive would always show up at a random time and I would always meet him out here without minding how messy I look. I am comfortable showing him my bare self without makeup, without combing my hair, without exerting too much effort on my outfit. And I think that's quite new for me but I love the comfort when I'm with him.

"Hello! What's your order, Sir?" the cashier asked Clive when it was finally our turn to order. Nag-drive thru lang kami sa Starbucks 'cause we still have a lot to study.

"One caramel macchiato with whipped cream and one matcha green tea latte, both trenta. Also, can we ask for another cup of ice?" Clive glanced at me and gave me a smile before getting his card out from his wallet.

"One trenta caramel macchiato with whipped cream, one trenta matcha green tea latte and an extra cup of ice. Is that all, Sir?" Clive nodded before giving his card to the lady.

"What time first exam mo bukas?" I asked while we're waiting for our order.

"7AM," he chuckled.